sequel
SEEK-wuhl
Sequel (noun) means a book, film, or show that continues the story of an earlier one, usually picking up after it. Example: “I enjoyed the first book so much that I immediately bought the sequel.”
noun
1
A book, film, or show that continues the story of an earlier one, usually picking up after it.
"I enjoyed the first book so much that I immediately bought the sequel."
"The sequel made even more money than the original film."
"Fans have been asking for a sequel to the novel for years."
2
Whatever follows on from an earlier event, as its result or continuation.
"The scandal, and its sequel of resignations, dominated the news for weeks."
How to use sequel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that comes after and continues on from what came before — most often used for follow-up books, films, or games.
Common pairings
a sequel to
film sequel
long-awaited sequel
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Word forms
- Plural
- sequels
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I enjoyed the first book so much that I immediately bought the _____.
Etymology
From Old French sequelle, from Latin sequēla, from sequī, "to follow."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for sequel
See all rhymes for sequel →Frequently asked questions
What does “sequel” mean?
The word “sequel” means a book, film, or show that continues the story of an earlier one, usually picking up after it. In plain terms, something that comes after and continues on from what came before — most often used for follow-up books, films, or games.
How do you pronounce “sequel”?
“Sequel” is pronounced SEEK-wuhl (/ˈsiːkwəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “sequel” in a sentence?
Here is “sequel” used in a sentence: “The sequel made even more money than the original film.”
What is another word for “sequel”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sequel” include postquel.
What is the opposite of “sequel”?
The opposite of “sequel” — its antonyms — is prequel.
What part of speech is “sequel”?
“Sequel” is a noun.
Where does the word “sequel” come from?
The word “sequel” comes from Latin. From Old French sequelle, from Latin sequēla, from sequī, "to follow.".
Is “sequel” a common word?
“Sequel” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between a sequel and a prequel?
A sequel continues a story after the events of the original work. A prequel is set before the original, showing what led up to it. Both are follow-ups in production order, but they move the timeline in opposite directions.
Is it sequel to or sequel of?
The standard preposition is to: a film is a sequel to the original, not a sequel of it. The same pattern holds for the broader sense, as in "the riots were a sequel to the verdict."
Can sequel refer to real events?
Yes. Beyond books and films, a sequel is whatever follows an earlier event as its result or continuation, as in "the sequel to the scandal was a wave of resignations." This use is somewhat formal or literary but perfectly standard.
What is the difference between a sequel and a series?
A sequel is a single work that continues the story of an earlier one. A series is the whole set of connected works taken together. One successful sequel after another is how a standalone story grows into a series.
